Gennaro Gattuso was well aware Milan wouldn’t steamroller Dudelange in the Europa League, but told off match-winner Gonzalo Higuain.
“It’s no coincidence that Dudelange are in the group phase, as they beat Cluj on the way here,” Gattuso told Sky Sport Italia after a 1-0 result in Luxembourg.
Elsewhere in this group, Olympiacos and Real Betis drew 0-0, so Milan are already two points clear.
“I liked the attitude of the team, we could’ve killed it off earlier and it was more of a struggle than I’d have liked, but we got minutes in the legs of many players and we got the result.
“Samu Castillejo doesn’t take long to get into shape due to his characteristics. I am happy with how we controlled the game and remembered there is no such thing in modern football as a result to be taken for granted.”
Higuain has been involved in all of Milan’s last three goals, scoring two and assisting the other.
“We are all happy when we win, not just Pipita. He had a few more chances and could’ve had a hat-trick today.
“Higuain has lately always been gravitating towards the penalty spot, whereas at Napoli he scored many more at the near post, the far post. I hope our opponents aren’t watching me say this…”
Gattuso transformed his line-up for the Europa League match, giving Pepe Reina and Mattia Caldara their debuts, with the first starts for Diego Laxalt, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Jose Mauri and Andrea Bertolacci.
“There is nothing you can take for granted in football. It’s no coincidence we drew with Cagliari, as we got the timing all wrong moving forward and backwards. We need work and training several times a week, which is difficult when players are away for two weeks on international duty.
“I know some don’t like it and think these are too basic, but I care a lot about positioning, posture, the first touch, it’s all crucial.
“I rotated the squad today, but that’s not because I thought Dudelange were poor. I did it because I trust these players and saw how they trained during the week. I’m not so foolish as to play someone I don’t believe in.”